Andrei Kuzmenko, the Vancouver Canucks winger, is no stranger to the pressures of professional hockey. After a standout 74-point performance last season that earned him a two-year $11 million contract, Kuzmenko has encountered a slump in his production this season, with only 15 points (four goals, 11 assists) in 21 games. This downturn in output has resulted in Kuzmenko being benched twice as a healthy scratch, signaling a need for improvement.
Adding to his on-ice challenges, Kuzmenko recently sustained a facial injury after being struck by a deflected shot from teammate JT Miller during a game against the New York Islanders. The injury has temporarily sidelined him, though he is expected to make a return shortly.
A Glimmer of Hope
In a recent matchup at Rogers Arena against the Vegas Golden Knights, Kuzmenko managed to find the back of the net, scoring a lone goal despite the team's 4-1 loss. Miller intercepted a loose puck and set up Kuzmenko for a wrist shot that beat Vegas goaltender Logan Thompson. Post-game, Kuzmenko expressed a team-first mentality, stating, "It doesn't matter if I scored … it doesn’t matter if my score doesn’t help the team. I need to be better, this I understand. That’s why I haven’t played (as much) this season."
Despite the individual highlight, the top line featuring Kuzmenko, Ilia Mikheyev, and Elias Pettersson has been overshadowed by the second line in terms of scoring and overall play during the NHL's first quarter. Pettersson, at center, has notched 30 points with nine goals and 21 assists, while right winger Mikheyev has contributed 12 points with seven goals and five assists.
Coach Tocchet's Perspective
Rick Tocchet, head coach of the Canucks, has made it clear that he expects more from Kuzmenko, describing his current season performance as "OK" but emphasizing the need for increased effort and production. The coach's decision to bench Kuzmenko for consecutive games against the Seattle Kraken and San Jose Sharks in late November was a clear message.
"He’s got to get his game a little bit more sharpened up," Tocchet remarked on November 27. "It’s not about last year, it’s about this year for us. And he’s a guy that needed a reset."
Tocchet has laid out specific expectations for Kuzmenko, highlighting the importance of intensity in puck battles along the boards and quicker defensive transitions in the neutral zone. "Those are the little things that I value around here. It’s not about just scoring goals. Goal scorers are going to go through slumps," Tocchet stated. "The little things matter. That’s part of our staples and he has to understand that’s the Bible for us around here."
The coach acknowledged Kuzmenko's improved focus in the third period of Thursday's game, noting, "If you watch his shifts in the third, he was going A to B. He wasn’t zigzagging, backward skating defending; he was going forward."
Kuzmenko's Self-Assessment
Kuzmenko himself is acutely aware of the high expectations placed upon him by his coach and is committed to enhancing his play. He acknowledges the statistical dip, particularly his four-goal tally this year, and remains dedicated to contributing positively to the team's success.
Addressing queries about his mental state during his prolonged goal drought throughout November, Kuzmenko responded with a smile, "What interesting questions about mentality. It’s an interesting moment for mentality, for personality, for me. It’s simple with the hard work mentality, work in the gym, it’s simple."
With an optimistic outlook, Kuzmenko is looking to build on his performance from Thursday's game as the Canucks prepare to take on the Calgary Flames on Saturday. His determination to improve and adapt underlines his commitment to not only personal growth but also to contributing to his team's success in the highly competitive landscape of the NHL.
The journey ahead for Kuzmenko is clear: to recalibrate and elevate his game in alignment with the expectations of his coach and the demands of the league. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Russian winger to see if he can return to the form that secured him his lucrative contract and made him a key player for the Canucks.